Wall cracking

[supa-star]

Hi, Hope someone can help me out with this. We moved into our house nearly three years ago after having a homebuyers survey carried out. Our surveyors report mentioned that the corner of the kitchen extension had a horizontal crack on the exterior wall and this was due to previous movement. He saw no evidence of ongoing structural movement in the property. However, 3 years down the line the crack has grown considerably (length and width)and there are small cracks appearing in the kitchen. Question is, are we able to go back to the surveyor and say hey buddy, I think you got it wrong!! Really don't know what our next course of action is and any advice would be much appreciated. Many thanks...

[buildersmate]

Well you can try, but I think you will find that the surveyor has worded the report such that he will not be liable.
What I mean is that he can only assess the situation and report on what he finds on that day. It is perfectly feasible that subsidence that has created a crack in the past stops for a period of time, then restarts. Particular issues occur when the amount of water in the soild changes - especially in clay soils and they either heave (expand in volume) or shrink.
Much depends on when the extension was built - if say less than 3yrs before you moved in (so 6 yrs ago now) he showed have paid particualr attention to the quality of the foundations. Was the extension provided with Building Control approval and sign-off?
At the very least you should be able to get hime back out to re-assess the situation for free.

[supa-star]

Thank you for your advice. We did call him to come and have another look but his office said he would charge another �400 for the privilage! The most annoying thing is, when I spoke to him prior to his inspection, he asked if there was anything I particularly wanted him to look out for and I remember saying that I just wanted to know that the property was structurally sound.

[buildersmate]

Hmm, he's obviously not yet on the same wavelength as you.
Maybe try the tack - 'further cracks have appeared in the structure which you surveyed 3 years ago and indicated that it was sound. I am considering the extent to which your practice provided me with sound advice at the time. In order that we might resolve this matter, please could we meet up at my property, such that I may hear your professional opinion on the circumstances. I am sure that you would wish to inspect the current situation in order to be able to assess for yourself what has happened here '
Note that this isn't threatening legal action or alleging liability. Might get him around for free. He answers to a professional body (who will be underwriting his professional indemnity insurance) so if it is still proving elusive you can drop into the conversation that you might need to talk to them if he won't come around to assess the situation.
I suspect he is will say it is normal settlement - at least you want him around to get him to say this.
Cracks can look quite nasty in appearance without necessarily being a structural issue that needs remedial work.

[supa-star]

That sounds like good advice, mind if I use your words? Thank you for you help and time. I'll try and contact him today and see what he has to say.